Facial video image processing: standard facial image capturing, software modification, development of a surgical plan, and comparison of presurgical and postsurgical results.

Video imaging is a maturing technology that will challenge the 35-mm photograph in its usefulness to the plastic surgeon. Computer modification of a patient image communicates to the patient a reconstructive plan. A comparison of the presurgical and postsurgical images keenly sensitizes the surgeon to the results of surgical technique. The equipment required for video imaging also provides a powerful tool for creation of presentation graphic prints (for publication), 35-mm slides, and, with additional software, educational video tapes. I describe here a video method for standard alignment of patients. The preoperative and modified patient image (surgical plan) is compared with the postoperative image to determine the degree of success in achieving the reconstructive goals. Comparison of standardized presurgical and postsurgical images offers the surgeon greater objectivity in his analysis of the surgical technique than is possible by comparison of clinical photographs. The value of video imaging to the reconstructive surgeon magnifies the success (or disappointment) of surgical technique.